Do Antioxidants Actually Help Your Skin?

Antioxidants are everywhere in skincare. The word is plastered on so many skincare labels, but what are they, and what do they do? Antioxidants are vitamins and compounds that slow down or stop oxidative stress. Oxidative stress happens as we age because of free radicals, destructive molecules that break down healthy cells. There are toxins everywhere you turn, and while our bodies detox, it's not always at the optimum level. It's up to us to give our bodies the push they need. But does this same principle apply to our skin? Can topically applying antioxidants keep away signs of skin damage? 

Your skin takes quite a beating, being our largest organ and the first line of defense against our environment. This makes your skin extremely sensitive to oxidation, meaning even healthy people show signs of aging. A common antioxidant analogy is to think about squeezed lemon on an apple to keep it from browning. Lemon is the antioxidant, and your skin is the apple. A good antioxidant product will do exactly that. Later, we'll discuss the most important antioxidants for each skin concern. 

It's relatively straightforward to get antioxidants into your body. You can eat, drink, and supplement them. Skincare is more complex because your skin is made to keep things out, so you have to drive those antioxidants beyond the top layers of your skin. That's why you can't topically apply yogurt or avocado "masks'' and expect your skin to absorb those antioxidants. It takes consistent use of a high-quality product to see changes, and sadly, most products don't have the raw ingredients or molecular structure to really work. Don't be fooled by vitamin C and niacinamide dupe serums; they don't cut it. Sometimes, people think pro-aging products won't show visible changes in the skin, but that's not true. A good antioxidant will make the skin appear noticeably healthier overall. 

Since we all show skin damage in different ways, like pigmentation, wrinkles, sagging skin, and dull skin, it's hard to give antioxidants a specific task. But think of them as the "front-line workers'' of your regimen. And if you learned anything from playing childhood sports, a good offense is your best defense. Antioxidants keep it all together but don't get much credit. 

You can expect a good topical antioxidant to brighten, soften, and renew your skin. If you don't see any visible changes in a product you invested in, you may be using one that is no good, unsuitable for your skin, or misusing the product. While preventive care is so critical, it's not worth using something that doesn't make your skin look or feel any better. 

Let's talk about actual antioxidants. Vitamin C remains at the top of the list of skincare ingredients. It won't intensely treat hyperpigmentation like some think, but it will brighten the skin, bring clarity, support hyperpigmentation improvement, and protect your skin from environmental damage. Because some forms of topical vitamin C are hard to stabilize, there are only a few key "good ones" out there – despite the saturated market. 

You may be surprised to realize that vitamin A is also a topical skin antioxidant. You know it best for shedding dead skin and keeping away impacts. Vitamin A, when taken orally, like in MINDBODYSKIN supplements, can have some anti-acne properties as well.

Other antioxidants, like niacinamide, vitamin E, and green tea, are soothing to the skin and are perfect for sensitive and sensitized skin. If you look through products, you will see almost all of them have some antioxidants listed. It doesn't hurt to use antioxidants in your cleansers, toners, and moisturizers for added help, but potent antioxidant serums will be the main change-makers! 

Okay, so now that you understand antioxidants are a broad term for vitamins and compounds that support your skin's fight against premature skin damage, let's talk about a major antioxidant that is gaining increasing traction in functional medicine. 

Glutathione is a tripeptide amino acid that our body makes. It is the ultimate antioxidant because it binds to those free radicals and helps you excrete them. Low glutathione levels have been linked to poorer health. If you are sick or tired, they may likely be low, and you can boost them with moderate exercise, garlic, broccoli, and specific supplements. Until now, there has never been any glutathione in skin care options. We are excited to have found Auro Skincare, the pioneer of utilizing glutathione topically. Skinwise, it will help plump, firm, brighten, and may even support getting rid of the occasional pimple. 

What antioxidants are you using now? If none specifically stand out, here's where to start! 

Antioxidants for acne-prone skin

Green Tea is a great way to hydrate the skin and provides anti-inflammatory properties. It is also a top antioxidant choice for inflamed acne. If you currently use a drugstore cleanser, try Green Tea Cleanser for a clean-skin feel without overdrying the skin. Azulene Relief Solution Ampoule is another way to infuse relief for acne-prone skin.

Vitamin A is an optimal antioxidant for acne because it also supports cell turnover and clears pores of the dead skin that causes acne. Exfol-A is a serious change-maker and also has niacinamide. 

Glutathione is also suitable for acne because it is the lead antioxidant. Acne-prone skin is genetic, but breakouts have a bacteria component. While oral antibiotics can have serious consequences, glutathione is a naturally occurring compound your body thrives on to kill infections. For less severe but stubborn acne, give topical glutathione a try along with all the other acne basics, of course. 

Antioxidants for sun damage or maintaining healthy skin

Vitamin C is a fast-acting antioxidant that can prevent further sun damage. If you spend a lot of time outdoors, pairing vitamin C with SPF can give you a boost. Try Pure C&E for tightening, Vita-C Radiance Solution Ampoule for radiance, and Alto Defense for anti-redness. Also, as a bonus, you can try a combination of Glutathione and Vitamin C for concerns about premature skin aging. 

Resveratrol reverses cell damage. In addition to dark fruits, you can find topical resveratrol in Auro Overnight Cream. We also love Raspberry Resurfacing Peel for a major glow and antioxidant-boosting mask. 

Antioxidants for stressed, dull, or uneven skin

Niacinamide, or Vitamin B3, is a popular antioxidant. We like it more as a supporting ingredient to help boost the results of other skincare serums. When used correctly, niacinamide can help even skin tone and revive the skin. Try Mandelic Acid 8% as a gentle way to exfoliate and incorporate niacinamide into your skin simultaneously. 

Vitamin E helps us retain moisture better, so if you are overly sensitive or reactive, you can take a dose of it. If you want a dose of vitamin E and additional active ingredients, Pure C&E has a significant amount of vitamin E – but ease into the serum just a few times a week. Otherwise, Derma Relief Serum has rich oils, ceramides, and vitamin E to soothe compromised skin. 

Glutathione is the lead antioxidant, so you may see all your products work better when incorporating it. Before now, it was rare to see it in a serum due to its molecular structure – but thank Auro Skincare for their skincare ingredient and product innovation. If you want a fresh start on skin or are just getting started with skincare, you can start with the whole line of glutathione-enriched products. Wash with Green Tea, and use the Citrine, Energizing Day Lotion, and SPF in the morning. At night, cleanse, then use the G serum and the night cream.